Office of the Historian

851G.00/11–949: Airgram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Bliss) to the Secretary of State

secret
London, November 9, 1949.
[Received November 15—2:12 p. m.]

A–2063. Following in substance are the recommendations made at the Singapore Conference in regard to Indo-China:

1.
A failure of the Bao Dai experiment would inevitably result in a complete French withdrawal from Indo-China; therefore U.S. and Commonwealth Governments should join the UK in assisting the French in support of Bao Dai.
2.
In view of the urgency of the situation Western nations cannot afford to await prior sponsorship of Bao Dai by the Asiatic nations. It is therefore recommended that after the transfer of sovereignty to Vietnam on January 1 the UK support the new regime.
3.
Following action is recommended:
a.
The French should be asked to clarify the legal status of the Vietnam.
b.
De jure recognition is not possible until March 8th Agreement is ratified. It is therefore recommended that de facto recognition of Vietnam be granted on the transfer of sovereignty. It would be desirable to inform Bao Dai of the British Government’s intention before the British Government recognizes the new Chinese government.
c.
The French should be encouraged to expedite the ratification of the March 8th Agreement and the transfer of the control of Indo-Chinese affairs from the Ministry of Overseas France to the Foreign Office.
4.
It is hoped that Secretary of State Acheson will issue a public statement with regard to Indo-China similar to that made with regard to Hong Kong on May 18th when he stated that in the event of an attack on Hong Kong the United States will fulfil its duties under the Charter of the United Nations.
5.
The UK should consult closely with the French in Indo-China with regard to anti-Communist propaganda.
6.
Neutrality from India is the most that can be expected.

Bliss